December 29, 2022
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18) ESV.
As I read Romans chapter eight this morning and Prayed in preparation for writing todays’ Devotional Thought, the word Faith came to mind. The Holy Spirit reminded me that before I came to Christ, my life was all about the present, and faith was not within my grasp of understanding. So what is Faith to a believer in Christ?
Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV) describes Faith this way, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” Indeed, while on this earth, we are to enjoy God’s blessings. Our lives are to be lived by establishing His Kingdom here on earth, doing His Will, and glorifying Him through our lives. However, we must always be mindful that we are pilgrims here and just passing through.
Why do you think Jesus cautioned us not to store up treasure here on earth? Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV) answers that question, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This doesn’t mean God doesn’t give us prosperity here on earth. What we do with that prosperity counts – it is to be used to further His Kingdom. When we can reach the place where we begin to live like this, then (Matthew 6:33) will become faithful to us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” I believe it takes times of sorrow to expand and deepen the Soul. I certainly don’t wish distress or despair on anybody, but to me personally, that’s what it can do as it did in me.
Friends, when I look back on my walk with the Lord, the most intense and challenging times (the valleys) were when I was the closest to the Lord; that’s when I detected Him being most close to me. I admit that sometimes I didn’t want to get out of bed in the mornings. I didn’t want to face another day, yet Jesus gave me strength every day to get up and walk a little further. The Lord can do that for you too. Would you like to join me in this prayer today?
Dear Heavenly Father, I realize my life is not only about the here and now but my Heavenly Home. Thank You for lifting my focus. I know that the distresses I am enduring now is nothing compared to the Glory I will enjoy with You in Heaven one day. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Encouraging Words from Max Lucado: Do you wonder where you can go for encouragement and motivation? Go back to when you first saw the Love of Jesus Christ. Remember the day when you were separated from Christ? You knew only guilt and confusion and then – a light. Someone opened a door, and light came into your darkness, and you said in your heart, “I am redeemed.”
Run to Jesus. Jesus wants you to go to Him. He wants to become the most important Person in your life, the greatest Love you’ll ever know. He wants you to Love Him so much that there’s no room in your heart and your life for sin. Invite Him to take up residence in your heart.
“For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's” (Romans 14:8) ESV.
God Bless you, Friends, and have a Blessed Day <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
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